ROSSENDALE United owner Andrew Connolly today revealed sacking Micky Graham was one of the toughest decisions of his life.

Graham was axed as manager of United last week after a four-year stint in the hot-seat.

And now demolition expert Connolly has charged veteran striker Jim McCluskie with the task of carrying on the rebuilding job at Dark Lane.

"Micky Graham has done great for Rossendale over the past two or three years and it was one of the hardest things I've ever done because he's such a nice bloke," said Connolly.

"But I felt, in football terms, he had taken us as far as he could.

"We had quite a successful season last year but the signs were there over the last few games that things weren't quite right.

"I felt there were three people who seemed to be in charge of the first team and I didn't think that was working.

"So after things failed to go to plan in the opening few games I decided we needed a new direction.

"At least doing it now means we've still got 90 per cent of our games left to turn things around.

"But it was never my intention to tell him over the phone. "When I rang up it was to arrange a meeting but it ended up coming out during the conversation."

McCluskie has been appointed the club's new manager in a permanent capacity.

And Connolly believes the former Accrington Stanley and Chorley striker -- who also had spells as a caretaker boss with both clubs -- can bring the good times back to the Valley.

"Jim's got some great ideas and he's well respected by the players already," said Connolly.

"He's very ambitious and so am I, and now we've got the facilities in place, it's time to move forward footballing wise."

McCluskie, who has recently taken his UEFA 'B' coaching badge, has yet to appoint an assistant but Connolly ruled out a move to persuade Ramsbottom's Andy Grimshaw to take up the role.